Evansdale in Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Pumping Jack
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 12, 2024
1. Pumping Jack Marker
The pumping jack converts the rotary motion of the motor or engine that powers it into reciprocal (up and down) motion. The reciprocating pump is connected to a series of pipes (or tubes) and "sucker rods". The sucker rods are equipped with a one-way valve that allows the oil to flow into the tubing on the down-stroke, but holds the oil in-place on the up-stroke. The continuous up and down movement lifts the oil to the surface.
Wooden pumping jacks have been in use since the early days of the petroleum industry and smaller iron pumping jacks continue to be used regularly today.
Erected by West Virginia University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 39° 38.824′ N, 79° 58.419′ W. Marker is in Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. It is in Evansdale. It can be reached from Evansdale Drive 0.2 miles east of Monongahela Boulevard (U.S. 19), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the north side of the Mineral Resources Building on the Evansdale Campus of West Virginia University. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Antique Coal Car (a few steps from this marker); Bessemer Gas Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); Fossilized Tree Stump (within shouting distance of this marker); Instructional Steel Sculpture (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); West Virginia University (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dawn Redwood (approx. 0.2 miles away); Core Arboretum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Guthrie Loop Area (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgantown.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, November 12, 2024
2. Pumping Jack and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
